Impact Assessment in Socially Responsible Investing: Insights from the Nigeria Case and Implications for Accounting and Investing Communities

The research explores the impact assessment practices of the Nigerian Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) industry based on interviews, participatory observation, surveys, and documentary evidence. SRI differs from impact investing in investor intentions—SRI focuses on sustainable development with financial savvy, while impact investing aims for societal impact. The study reveals that the motivations and meanings behind impact assessment in SRI differ significantly from those in impact investing, resulting in a gap between the two communities. Despite the influence of SRI, little is known about its impact on assessment practices. This study addresses this gap by examining who is interested in impact assessment in the SRI industry, why SRI investors seek impact assessment, and what it entails. The analysis identifies areas of concern and opportunities for the SRI, impact investing, and accounting communities, suggesting that their interests and successes are increasingly interconnected